![Nevada Trip 2010 063-1.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmY45XukyzRnEfXcf9BcYFy9W6MhBwukHf6BVcpchJK9RU/Nevada%20Trip%202010%20063-1.jpg)

There I am standing in the Trout Creek meadows, in South Lake Tahoe, where I grew up, what seems like ages ago. Mine was a "Tom Sawyer" childhood. We had the meadows to play and explore in. The fishing was fantastic as was the swimming and endless adventures. Tahoe was different then with few year-round residents (3,500). I actually went to a 2-room log school house with a bell on top that we rang to call all the urchins into class in the morning! Hard to believe. 

It was in my youth that I gained a life-long love for nature. I still thrive on, and depend upon, my immersion in the sweet energy of Earth each day walking out in the foothills of the Sierra with my dogs. My spirit has been tuned and shaped by trees and mountains and water. I'll ever be grateful to my father who made this happen. Thanks Dad.

Since those early days, I've lived in Holland and Belgium for two years and have resided in 5 western states, currently living in western Nevada. I've had the great pleasure of raising five great kids and four foster sons. I was "volunteered" into being a Scoutmaster for 7 years when my boys were of the age, and also coached youth league football and baseball.  All of which I loved.

But who am I really? Well, I think I'm a pretty good poet. I've done astrology professionally. I was a painting contractor for about 25 years or so. I'm fiercely independent and absolutely march to my own drummer. I've come to believe I've lived numerous past lives. I've had a life-long spiritual quest which has become the most fulfilling aspect of my life. I'm a fool of an almost-Buddhist I guess you could say. At one time I thought I could best serve humanity through politics and public service, but found that was not my path (Thank God!). Now I speak of love, compassion, Oneness, and a connection to Earth.

![IMG_0901 2.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVF3qcqiexoGBPSk9JqQhYEyRYTvsP1qgpcuGiGZfUaUZ/IMG_0901%202.jpg)

I don't want this to be like one of those terrible Christmas letters we used to get from relatives and friends telling of all the wonderful events of the year (... and our son John got a full scholarship to Yale to study Law.)( ad nauseam). Indeed, I, like you am totally human, having been to bankruptcy court, having been divorced (my former "dearly beloved" and I are blessed to be good friends),  having suffered from a decades long aggravating illness, having been lost in years of depression and darkness. Oh, yes, I've been hammered upon the anvil of tribulation and thrust into the burning flames of the Master Blacksmiths furnace to forge, I hope, a better,  more loving and wise human. 

And here I am on steemit. Oh, my! I have to tell you I am enthused, excited, optimistic, and motivated to participate in this amazing enterprise. Let us lift each other up in whatever way God has made us capable of. Much love and many blessings. 
Christopher